Assess the contribution of Marxist theories to an understanding of the family
Assess the contribution of Marxist theories to an understanding of the family. (24)
Marxists believe that the family does not function for its members and all society, but really helps capitalism. The things that the family does benefit the ruling class, not the ordinary people. This is because it gives workers lots of family responsibilities, so that they are less likely to strike. The warm bath at home helps them to cope with long hours of boring hard work outside. Also the family trains up for free the new generation of the workforce for capitalism and teaches them to work hard and be obedient. Finally, the members of the family buy lots of consumer goods from shops and this helps to keep the capitalist system going.
The Marxist sociologist Engels believes that society was originally communal so it did not need ‘family’ or marriage but as private property was introduced an organised system of inheritance was necessary, because fathers needed to be sure of two things: one, that their property passed down to their children and two, that their wives were monogamous. Marriage controlled women’s sexuality and ensured men’s dominance by bringing them into the private sphere of the home and keeping them submissive by ensuring men controlled wealth and power. However, other sociologists have criticised this view because they believe that Marxists are too focused on conflict and that they ignore the genuinely happy and healthy family life that gives its members meaning.
